There are two options to see the beautiful volcano-surrounded Lake Atitlán: either take an organized day tour or use the ferry launches. You will not have time to see the place in a day using the ferries, so it is advisable to do a tour. Tours usually cost around $10.50 and go to San Antonio, Santiago de Atitlán and San Pablo. With more time take the ferries, which cost $2.60 per person each way, though you can often bargain.

Departures can be tricky to work out, but a good plan is to head to San Pedro for the first night, spend the day around there, then take a lancha to San Marcos for the next night. At San Marcos, take in the amazing views of the lake and volcanoes. Take an early lancha past all the bays back to Panajachel and another one out to Santiago, either returning for the 4 p.m. shuttle back to Antigua or staying one night in Santiago.